Podcast

The School of Service (Part B)

November 22, 2009

The growing follower of Christ will demonstrate genuine faith through acts of practical service to those in need. In part 10 of Demystifying Discipleship, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Matthew 25:31-46.

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Study Notes

The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24 & 25)

The “End of the Age”

Following the Ascension of Jesus…

  • There will be great distress in the world
  • There will be persecution for the followers of Jesus
  • The Jerusalem Temple will be destroyed
  • Jesus will come again at an unknown hour

Outline by Dr. D.A. Carson

  1. Setting (24:1-3)
  2. The birth pains (Matthew 24:4-28)
  3. The coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:29-31)
  4. Significance of the birth pains (Matthew 24:32-35)
  5. The day & hour unknown: the need to be prepared (Matthew 24:36-41)
  6. Parabolic teaching: variations on watchfulness (Matthew 24:42- 25:46)
    1. The homeowner and the thief (Matthew 24:42-44)
    2. The two servants (Matthew 24:45-51)
    3. The ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
    4. The talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
    5. The sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Until Jesus comes, His followers are to live…

  • Responsibly
  • Faithfully
  • Compassionately
  • Courageously

The Interpretation Challenge…

  • Judgment for the treatment of Jewish people by Gentiles for the purpose of entrance into the earthly, millennial kingdom
  • Great White Throne Judgment which separates out those who will enter the eternal kingdom of the saved from those who will be lost forever

Understanding the Text

  1. Separation of Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-33)
  2. Reward for the Righteous (Matthew 25:34-40)
  3. Punishment for the Wicked (Matthew 25:41-46)

Principles from the Text

  • Genuine followers of Christ will demonstrate their faith through acts of service to their fellow believers in need
  • Believers who serve other Christians are serving Jesus
  • Those who serve Jesus will be eternally rewarded
  • The wicked will be punished

Applying the Text

  • Are you a sheep or a goat?
  • Is your faith evident in how you serve other Christians?

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